8 Top Festivals and Events in Vigo You Shouldn’t Miss
Vigo is a city that knows how to celebrate. Nestled along Galicia’s Atlantic coastline, this vibrant port city is alive with festivals and events that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. From historical reenactments to fiery beach bonfires, Vigo’s calendar is packed with opportunities to experience Galician festivals that are rooted in their rich traditions.
Festivals here are more than just annual events—they are a way of life, deeply rooted in Celtic, Roman, and Christian influences that have shaped the local identity.
Here are the best (and my personal favorite) festivals and events in and around Vigo, so you can fully immerse yourself in Galician culture.
Why festivals are important in Galicia
Galician festivals reflect a mix of influences, shaped by the diverse civilizations that have left their mark on the region:
- The Celts, who inhabited Galicia over 2,000 years ago, introduced pagan rituals that honored nature, the changing seasons, and ancestral spirits—traditions still seen today in festivals like San Xoán, where fire and water play a central role.
- Later, the Romans brought their own celebrations, integrating feasts and processions into local customs.
- With the spread of Christianity, many of these ancient traditions merged with religious observances, giving rise to festivals that honor saints, historical events, and local legends.
What makes Galician festivals unique is their emphasis on music, food, and a strong sense of community. The sound of the gaita (Galician bagpipes) is a constant presence, setting the rhythm for traditional dances and processions. Food is another key element, with local bites like pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus), empanadas, and tetilla cheese bringing people together at festival tables.
But perhaps the most defining feature of Galician celebrations is their inclusive, communal spirit—whether in a small village or a bustling city like Vigo, festivals welcome everyone, turning the streets into open-air gatherings filled with joy, tradition, and shared experiences.
Top festivals in Vigo
Reconquista (March/April)
Wanna party like it’s March 28th, 1809 and you just helped drive the French out of Vigo? Well then Vigo’s Reconquista is for you. This festival in Vigo commemorates the uprising against the French invasion, which resulted in Vigo becoming the first town of Europe that successfully drove out Napoleon’s army. This celebration is held at the end of March. Vigo’s Old Town is transformed into a 19th century outdoor market for three days where vendors sell merchandise, Galician food, drinks and wine.
There’s even a reenactment of the city’s victory over French troops and if you’re feeling extra festive, you can dress up in 19th century clothing like the other Vigueses. Other highlights include musical performances and of course the food. If you’re in Vigo during this celebration, it shouldn’t be missed.
San Xoán bonfires (June 23)
San Juan (or San Xoán in Galician) is another hard hitting festival in Vigo, Spain, celebrated on the night of June 23rd to welcome the summer solstice.
San Juan is a mix of ancient pagan traditions and local customs, making it one of the most vibrant and unique nights in Vigo. San Juan is unique for its:
- Beach bonfires: People traditionally make bonfires (cacharelas) on Vigo’s beaches and hang out with their friends, roast sardines, and jump over the flames for good luck. The most popular places to make bonfires are at Samil and Playa de Bouzas.
- Burning of the Meigas (witches): In Galician folklore, meigas are witches, and during San Juan, people burn symbolic effigies. To see this, you’ll want to head to Playa de Bouzas as well as Plaza de Berbes. And don’t forget to write down your wishes on paper and toss them into the fire for purification.
- Beach parties & swimming: Many locals take a symbolic midnight dip in the sea (clothing optional), which is believed to bring good luck and cleanse bad energy. A popular beach to do this is at Playa del Vao.
- Music and concerts: At Samil you’ll find plenty of DJ sets and concerts at multiple stages.
Other festivals near Vigo
Festa do Albariño (Cambados)
Galicia is known for its Albariño production and its most famous wine festival is held in Cambados. It’s held during the week leading to the first Sunday of August.
Come here and get ready for tastings, food pairings, and live music events.
Pro tip: Buying by the glass can add up quickly, I recommend bringing a large group and buying a bottle to share. This way you’re able to sample multiple wines on a budget.
Fiesta de la Arribada (Baiona)
Okay, hear me out, Arribada is technically a festival that celebrates the arrival of Columbus. While there is a reenactment of the arrival of the Pinta and you can visit a replica of Columbus’s ship, this festival isn’t Christopher Columbus centric.
If anything, it feels more like a renaissance fair where you can wander around the town looking at the different medieval markets, see jousting, and partake in local concerts.
San Blas (Bembrive)
Winter in Vigo means that San Blas is here! This month-long celebration is held in a town near Vigo (Bembrive) from January to the first weekend of February. During this wine and foodie celebration, you can enjoy wine at furanchos (traditional Galician wine cellars) where local producers serve their surplus wine alongside delicious regional dishes.
San Blas in Vigo is the perfect blend of history, devotion, and gastronomy. Pop into one of these furanchos and you’re sure to drink some good wine, eat delicious Galician food, and hear people playing traditional Galician music.
Seasonal and cultural events in Vigo
O Marisquiño festival (August)
If you’re into urban culture, skateboarding, BMX, and street art then this is the event for you. Every second weekend of August, thousands of amateur, professional skateboarders, and other two wheeled riders from around the world meet in Vigo to compete.
The events are held in the center of Vigo, while the biggest competitions like BMX and skateboarding are held at Samil. There is truly something for everyone at this event from the food, competitions, to even the mayor breakdancing, you cannot get bored here.
San Roque
The San Roque Park festival is held in August and is great for music lovers, foodies, and people who love carnival rides. At San Roque you’ll find bands, typical Galician food, and artisanal products for purchase.
Christmas in Vigo (December/January)
I can’t write about festivals and events in Vigo and not mention the Vigo’s Christmas lights, it is afterall “Where Christmas lives”. During November to the beginning of January, the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with record-breaking light displays, Christmas markets, and more!
So if you’re looking for somewhere festive to visit during Christmas, look no further.
Food and music at Galician festivals
What are some typical festival foods in Galicia?
- Pulpo a feira: Octopus
- Churrasco: Grilled ribs, Spain’s equivalent to BBQ
- Chori pan: Perfectly charred chorizo served in a bun
- Empanadas: Typically filled with meat, seafood, and veggies
- Tetilla cheese
What is traditional Galician music?
Traditional Galician music has roots in Celtic culture, which has been handed down from century to century. Traditional Galician music is the gaita or bagpipe in English (similar to the Scottish bagpipe), played by the gaiteiros (bagpipers).
It’s considered the national instrument and is used in festivals, processions, and folk performances throughout the region.
Planning your visit to Vigo’s festivals
What are the best times to visit for festival enthusiasts?
Honestly, any time of year is great for festivals and events in Vigo. It depends what you’re into. I’m personally impartial to the wine and food centric festivals.
Tips for transportation, accommodation, and avoiding crowds
- By Taxi: The easiest way to get around Vigo is by taxi. Taxi stands can be found throughout the city and you can use this handy site provided by the City Hall to find a taxi near you. Vigo does not have UBER or other ride sharing apps (and honestly I like it better that way. Taxis are affordable here)
- By Bus: Getting around by bus isn’t for the faint hearted. It takes a bit of patience (but I do it daily so you can too). The best app to use is Moovit for mapping out how to get to your destination, Google Maps doesn’t work in Vigo.
If you’re looking for affordable hotels or apartments to rent while you’re staying in Vigo, be sure to check out my post about the best accommodation in Vigo. Additionally, be sure to book well in advance as hotels fill up quickly around festivals and events in Vigo.
Are you looking to get away from the crowds? Then I’d suggest not staying in the center of Vigo. Try staying in neighborhoods like Calvario, Navia, Coia so that you can enjoy the festivities but also get away from the crowds when you want to.
What are some local customs and etiquette to keep in mind?
Don’t drink too much: Spaniards in general don’t drink so much that they’re wasted and nuances in the streets. They like to drink to enjoy themselves, not drink to get drunk. So don’t be that annoying tourist.
Be sure to bring cash. While cards are widely accepted, at events like San Blas, cash is king.
Now that you know all about the best festivals and events in Vigo, which will you choose to plan your trip around?
